Overseas Territories: Economic and Environmental Development

Wednesday 9th July 2014 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mark Simmonds)]

I would like to inform the House of three important developments that will benefit the British overseas territories and British overseas territories citizens. This Government set out, in our 2012 White Paper, a vision for the overseas territories to be vibrant and flourishing communities. We established a joint ministerial council, bringing together UK Ministers and territory leaders and representatives, to drive forward implementation of our strategy.

I am delighted that from 9 June 2014 the European Union has agreed visa-free travel to the Schengen area for British nationals who are not citizens of the United Kingdom (this includes British overseas territory citizens, British subjects, British overseas citizens, and British protected persons). This decision will enable nearly 300,000 British nationals from the territories to travel freely on British overseas territories citizen passports in 30 countries in Europe. British overseas territories citizens can already visit the UK without visas. Most British overseas territories citizens are also British citizens. The EU’s decision reflects the successful conclusion of three years of negotiations involving the UK Government, territory Governments and the European Commission.

I am also pleased to inform you that United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI) has made arrangements to provide their overseas market introduction service (OMIS) to companies located in the overseas territories from June 2014. This service is chargeable and assists companies to access the right international contacts or partners, find the best way to do business in a market and help to penetrate new markets. UKTI experts can also advise on local conditions including competitors, regulations and accessing and influencing decision makers.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that the third round of the Overseas Territories Environment and Climate Fund, known as Darwin Plus, was launched on 22 May. This initiative currently supports 29 projects in the territories to a value of approximately £4 million. In all of this, the UK Government remain committed to the development of strong and sustainable local economies, with flourishing communities, and setting world standards in our stewardship of the extraordinary natural environments in the overseas territories.